Travel

Taking Your Pet Abroad - The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS)

'PETS' enables you to avoid putting your cat or dog into quarantine when you travel to certain countries (most countries in Western Europe & Scandinavia). To qualify for exemption from quarantine, you must meet various conditions relating to your pet´s health.

The conditions are set out in brief below. We strongly recommend visiting the Government website for the latest and full information a long time (9 months) in advance of your travel date.

To get a 'passport' your pet must:

  • be fitted with a microchip by your vet
  • be vaccinated against rabies - your vet will know what to do
  • be blood tested to ensure that the vaccination has worked
  • get a PETS passport from an authorised vet

Once your pet has a PETS passport, it can enter back into the UK providing:

  • that six months has passed from the date that the successful blood test was sampled.
  • your pet has been treated against ticks and a tapeworm between 24 - 48 hours before it is checked in for the return journey to the UK
  • your pet has not been outside any of the PETS qualifying countries in the six months before it enters the UK
  • your pet is travelling on an authorised route with an approved transport company

Other considerations:

  • take your pet for a health check by your vet in advance of your journey. Get advice from your vet on pregnant animals.
  • speak to the carrier in advance to ascertain the conditions that your pet will travel in and to ensure that you have the required paperwork.
  • do not use sedatives unless advised by a vet.
  • give your pet only a light meal about 2 hours before travel.
  • check with the carrier that your pet will have full and constant access to fresh water.
  • use a container which enables your pet to stand, sit and lie down in a natural position, and to turn around easily. The container should contain absorbent bedding and provide ample ventilation. A familiar toy can help your pet get used to the container.
  • ensure that your pet will not be exposed to extreme temperatures.
  • try and match your pets sleeping patterns by travelling overnight where possible